Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA) Practice Test

Which literary device expresses a comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as"?

1. Metaphor

2. Simile

3. Hyperbole

4. Personification

The correct answer is: Simile

The correct choice is related to the definition of a simile, which is a literary device that draws a direct comparison between two different things by using the words "like" or "as." This technique is used to create vivid imagery or make descriptions more relatable and engaging. For instance, saying “as brave as a lion” or “she sings like an angel” allows readers to visualize the characteristics being compared in a more profound way, enhancing the overall impact of the writing. Other literary devices serve different purposes: metaphors also make comparisons but do so without using "like" or "as," instead stating that one thing is another. Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect. Personification attributes human qualities to non-human subjects, making them relatable, but does not involve direct comparisons between unlike things. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why simile effectively fulfills the specific role of making comparisons through "like" or "as."